Biography of Jacob T. Van BuskirkWayne County, NY Biographies

Van Buskirk, Jacob Tremper, was born at Buskirk's Bridge, N. Y., May 5, 1823, at which place he passed the earlier
years of his life. In 1842 he came to Clyde, and resided here from that date until his death, June 2, 1891. He
was postmaster at Clyde during President Taylor's administration from 1849 to 1853, and served as deputypostmaster
for more than twenty years. Upon the completion of the New York Central Railroad, in 1854, he was appointed the
first ticket agent in Clyde. He was amongst the first to volunteer his services in the Rebellion, enlisting as
first lieutenant of Company B, 111th N. Y. Volunteers, and on his departure to the front he was presented with
a handsome and valuable sword by the citizens of Clyde. This sword is now the property of his eldest son, a cherished
emblem and revered heirloom. At the surrender of Harper's Ferry, in 1862, Lieutenant Van Buskirk was taken prisoner,
parolled, and afterward honorably discharged. In 1869 he was elected a justice of .the peace, and held the position
continuously by reelection until his death, covering a period of nearly twenty. four years. He also served one
term as justice of sessions. Mr. Van Buskirk was an active member of Snedaker Post, No. 173, G. A. R., serving
as its commander and adjutant. He was prominently connected with the Presbyterian Church, being an elder therein
from 1868 to 1880, and superintendent of its Sunday school from 1859 to 1872. In all positions in life he conscientiously
discharged his duties with characteristic fidelity; he was honored with many offices of trust, which he ably filled
to the lasting benefit of his constituents. April 5, 1849, he married Phoebe S. Lyron, who died February 14, 1886.
Five children survive them, viz.: Albert M., of Clyde; Amelia L., and Barton W., of Rochester; George A., of Massilon,
O., and Henry J., of Toledo, O. Albert M. Van Buskirk was the first superintendent and local manager of the Clyde
Water Works, and held the position until his resignation in 1891, when he removed to Greencastle, Ind., and took
charge of the water works at that city. He subsequently returned to his native town, and resumed newspaper work
on the Clyde Times, with which journal he has been connected for twenty years, successively serving as apprentice,
journeyman and local editor. In the spring of 1894 he was elected a justice of the peace for the town of Galen.